Lucy Rai explains that play helps all adults gain a better understanding of young children’s thoughts, feelings and ideas - not just the professionals who work with children

Returning to study or starting it for the first time can be daunting. Many students are frightened of writing essays, but it’s a craft that can be learnt. This album will help you to build confidence in all areas of essay writing. A student discusses with two tutors her writing methods and how she adapts her techniques for exams and assignments. With tips shared from Professor Richard Dawkins, TV personality Matthew Kelly, former MP Brian Walden, Baroness Helena Kennedy, journalist John Pilgner and radio presenters John Humphrys and Peter White. This material forms part of The Open University course A172 Start writing essays.

This is the first course in the University’s Diploma in Spanish. It extends the language skills developed in previous intermediate and introductory courses and includes a compulsory residential school in Spain. The themes of the course range from talking about the past to urbanism. The course is lively and varied, with a wide range of authentic mixed-media material from Spain and Latin America, structured to allow students to evaluate progress, build confidence and encourage participation. The course will teach you how to communicate in situations ranging from everyday conversation to putting forward your point of view in a debate. Students will also have an opportunity to improve their grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary.This material is taken from The Open University Course L204 Viento en popa: upper intermediate Spanish.